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Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card VS Cashback SBI Credit Card

A detailed, side-by-side look at 2 leading credit cards. Analyze the features that matter most to you and make an informed choice.
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Last updated: 17 July 2026

Both Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card and Cashback SBI Credit Card suit utilities-focused spenders, but they earn and cost differently. Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card costs ₹500 + GST and earns 25% on Airtel services, 10% on utilities/partners, 1% on others (RuPay UPI included). Cashback SBI Credit Card costs ₹999 + GST and earns 5% cashback on online spends (capped at Rs. 2,000 per statement cycle) and 1% cashback on offline spends (capped at Rs. 2,000 per statement cycle). Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card also brings get an Amazon eVoucher worth ₹250 on making the first transaction within 30 days of card issuance. If dining spending matters more, go with Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card; if shopping is the priority, Cashback SBI Credit Card fits better.

Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card
Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card
Cashback SBI Credit Card
Cashback SBI Credit Card

Fees & Charges

Joining Fee₹500 + GST
Joining Fee₹999 + GST
Renewal Fee₹500 + GST
Renewal Fee₹999 + GST
Spend Based WaiverAnnual fee waived on ₹2,00,000+ annual spends (excl. rent/wallet loads).
Spend Based WaiverAnnual fee is reversed if annual spends in the previous year are Rs. 2,00,000 or more.
Foreign Transaction Fees3.50% of transaction value; 1.5% DCC markup.
Foreign Transaction Fees3.5% + GST
Interest Rate (APR)3.75% per month (55.55% per annum) on retail purchases and cash.
Interest Rate (APR)3.75% per month (45% per annum)

Rewards & Benefits

Welcome BonusGet an Amazon eVoucher worth ₹250 on making the first transaction within 30 days of card issuance.
Welcome BonusNo specific welcome benefits or joining perks are listed for this card.
Rewards Rate25% on Airtel services, 10% on utilities/partners, 1% on others (RuPay UPI included).
Rewards Rate5% cashback on online spends (capped at Rs. 2,000 per statement cycle) and 1% cashback on offline spends (capped at Rs. 2,000 per statement cycle); max combined Rs. 4,000 per statement cycle.
Reward TypeCashback
Reward TypeCashback
Reward Redemption FeeNil
Reward Redemption FeeNot applicable

Travel & Lifestyle

Domestic Lounge Access
Domestic Lounge Access
International Lounge Access
International Lounge Access
Travel BenefitsUp to 15% savings on flights & hotels via Goibibo/MakeMyTrip on Wednesdays.
Travel Benefits
Movie Benefits10% value back on District Movies (up to ₹200 per month).
Movie Benefits
Dining Benefits10% value back on Zomato; 15% off up to ₹500 at 4000+ restaurants via Dining Delights.
Dining Benefits
Golf Benefits
Golf Benefits
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% waiver on ₹400-₹4,000 transactions, capped at ₹500/month.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between Rs. 500 and Rs. 3,000 at petrol pumps across India, capped at Rs. 100 per statement cycle.

Security & Other

Insurance Benefits
Insurance Benefits
Cash Advance ChargesMin ₹500 up to 2.5% of cash withdrawal amount.
Cash Advance Charges2.5% of the amount withdrawn or a minimum charge of Rs. 500.
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Best valueHigher costHighlights apply to Joining Fee and Renewal Fee only.

Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card

Cashback SBI Credit Card

Who is it for?

The Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card is a co-branded card for Airtel users, offering cashback on Airtel services, utility bills, and partner brands like Zomato and Blinkit. While its reward structure was devalued in April 2026, it still provides value for specific spending patterns. It's best suited for heavy Airtel users who also frequently spend on dining and shopping, and are willing to manage their overall spending to maximize benefits.

Who is it for?

The Cashback SBI Card is an entry-level cashback credit card that delivers straightforward savings on everyday spending with 5% cashback on online transactions and 1% on offline spends. It pairs flat cashback with a fuel surcharge waiver and a spend-based annual fee waiver, making it ideal for users who want direct, easy-to-track benefits without managing points. Best suited for regular shoppers and online spenders who can meet the Rs. 2 lakh annual spend threshold, this card simplifies rewards while offering global acceptance and contactless convenience.

Pros

Key benefits and features.

Offers 10% value back on Zomato, Blinkit, and District Movies (up to ₹200 per partner per month).

Provides 25% cashback on Airtel services and 10% on utility bills via Airtel Thanks app.

Includes a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹400 and ₹4,000.

Pros

Key benefits and features.

Decent 5% cashback on online spends and 1% on offline spends for solid everyday savings.

High monthly cashback cap of Rs. 4,000 across categories boosts total earnings potential.

Strong option for online spending compared to other cashback cards with simple auto-credit.

Contactless payment facility available for quick and secure low-value transactions.

Global acceptance in over 24 million outlets ensures usability during travel and shopping.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

Reward structure is complicated; higher cashback depends on 1% category spend.

Complimentary airport lounge access has been removed after the devaluation.

The card is not lifetime free and comes with an annual fee, though it can be waived.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

Several categories are excluded from cashback eligibility, limiting earnings on key spends.

Annual fee is relatively high compared to the benefits for low spenders who cannot meet the waiver.

Spend-based waiver may be difficult to achieve if major spends fall in excluded categories.

No instant discounts during online sales, reducing appeal during promotional shopping periods.

Cashback exclusions on utilities, insurance, fuel, rent, and other services restrict utility.

How We Compare These Cards

Every comparison on CardsForYou is built from the same verified data set we use across the site - joining and renewal fees, reward rates, forex markup, lounge access, and insurance benefits - sourced directly from each issuer and refreshed regularly. We highlight the lower-cost option on fees automatically, but "best" always depends on your own spending pattern: a card that wins on annual fee may lose on reward rate for a heavy spender, and vice versa. Use the table above alongside your own typical monthly spend to judge real value, not just the headline numbers.

Ready to Choose?

Based on your comparison, select the credit card that best matches your spending habits and financial goals.
Apply for Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card(opens in new tab)Apply for Cashback SBI Credit Card(opens in new tab)